When your child has fallen ill, it can be very difficult to tell whether it is the common cold or the flu (influenza). Although there are some symptoms which fall under both the flu and the cold, the viruses which cause each illness are different. Just by appearance alone, a child with the flu may seem a lot more ill than the child who has the cold. Though most children will end up getting the cold up to ten times before their second birthday, you should not be hasty in writing off all illnesses as the cold. There are several major differences that can help you to identify which is which so you can properly treat it.
The Cold
The cold is considered to be a viral infection. This viral infection will affect the respiratory tract, including the throat, the sinuses and the nose. The cold may be caused by numerous viruses. In general, the cold will begin with a sore throat and may be accompanied by a bit of stuffiness. These symptoms will then be followed by a cough and slight fever on the second or third day of the illness.The symptoms that usually accompany the cold are sneezing, a mild cough, runny or stuffy nose, a mild fever and sore throat. If your child is small and has the cold, you will recognize that he or she will rub their noses more frequently and will not being eating as much as they regularly would. An older child will have complaints of not being able to breathe properly,or they may complain about a stuffy nose. The general length of a cold is between 7 and 10 days.
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Influenza – The Flu
While the flu is also considered to be a viral infection, it can only caused by a handful of viruses which will have some effect on the upper respiratory tract. This will include the throat, sinuses and nose. The initial onset of the flu will in most instances be very quick, attacking more severely and suddenly than the cold would. The flu will be accompanied in its starting stages with chills and a high fever. Due to the severity and quickness of the onset of the flu, a child who has the flu will be much more uncomfortable and in pain than one with a cold.
The common symptoms of the flu will generally include a runny or stuffy nose, a dry cough, fever and chills, and a sore throat as well as aches and pains in the body accompanied by fatigue. If your child has the flu, he or she will seem sick and a bit sleepier, grumpier and less hungry than normal. In a child who is older, there may be feelings of discomfort and fatigue, followed by complaints of a sore throat. This will cause them to have no appetite and they may refuse food and liquids. The flu will usually last from 7 to 14 days, but the symptoms may linger for up to three weeks.
